Magnitogorsk, Russia – Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin and Ottawa Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar will play in the Kontinental Hockey League while the NHL works out its labor issues.
The NHL locked out its players early Sunday morning after the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement.
Malkin, the reigning Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP, and Gonchar wasted little time finding a place to play, signing with Metallurg of the KHL.
Earlier this week, the KHL announced rules for signing players under NHL contracts in the event of a lockout. Teams can sign a maximum of three NHL players and the deals will include clauses for players to leave the KHL once the lockout is resolved.
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